Audit Trainee Review

I look forward to developing my overall understanding of how different audit sections interact with each other. By asking for new sections which I’m yet to gain exposure with I hope to develop the breadth of my auditing skills alongside improving my audit quality. My day to day role also involves updating my manager with my progress and any concerns.

For FS Audits in Insurance, I look to gain exposure to sections such as Premiums, Claims, Provisions, Reinsurance Recoveries & Investments to name a few I will take the time to understand the new section. This can be achieved through looking at the financial statement areas during the scope in phase, seeing how they are being tested based on which assumptions, and ensuring that the workpaper set up is intuitive.

As a first year audit trainee, I was able to take ownership of my planning sections and think about how to answer and document the sections from scratch. I would run any ideas past my manager before proceeding with the approach. This enabled me to complete my sections based on the key audit assumptions and any tips which were shared with me to improve the testing and ensure completeness of testing for that area. This is something I enjoyed very much.

The programme is very structured in the sense that from the very first day you are introduced to the various support teams at BDO who can help you if you require support in applying for exams as well as having a counselling manager who checks in with you on a regular basis.

Support recieved from BDO on a day to day basis is good. This normally involves a direct communication line with your audit team via microsoft teams, this makes everyone at the firm highly accessible if you require any support in a timely fashion. Most managers are always happy to help and this spirit is embodied when in the office.

Training providers produce regular update calls where you can discuss your progression which you have made as part of your apprenticeship. This usually involves a phone call with a performance support team manager who will go through your current exam progress as well as ensure that you are getting the amount of work experience hours necessary to pass your apprenticeship.

I have developed a base understanding of excel functions from training. I look forward to immersing myself into various excel training courses as well as being open to learning new shortcuts from my peers whilst working on client audits. I will make sure to always look to apply such knowledge so that I doesn’t get forgotten over time, as well as helping my teammates where I know of an excel function which can improve their efficiency.

There are many social activities to be involved with as an apprentice at BDO. This includes having the opportunity to work alongside your peers during charitable projects which have a real positive impact on the wider community. There are also many sports teams such as football and cricket which are really fun to watch.

Yes

I would definately reccomend BDO as an apprentice at the firm. I think this mainly comes down to how friendly, inclusive and helpful the team members are. This is espcially the case when you are new as everyone does thier best to make you feel welcome and part of the BDO team.

I would recommend practising some core competency interview answers as well as looking at how your own experience helps you to differentiate yourself. I would also reccomend that applicants are asking lots of questions during the interview stages as this will help you to demonstrate your willingness to learn more about the firm and expand your knowledge.